New Tata compact SUV to look like a mini Evoque

Tata Motors may have a reputation of making cars that are more functional than stylish, but the carmaker is aware that it needs to do more on the design front to appeal to buyers. Tata’s upcoming compact SUV, codenamed X104, will be styled to look “like a mini Evoque” say sources in the company. In fact, the sharply tapering roofline has resulted in the manufacturer even sacrificing a bit of rear seat space in the interest of giving it a sleek look.

The X104 compact SUV is based on the same X1 platform that also underpins the Bolt and the Zest, and some mechanical bits such as the steering and suspension have been carried over. However, for that typical SUV look, the wheel arches will be enlarged to accommodate larger 17-inch wheels.

Mechanically, the X104 will also see the debut of Tata’s all-new 1.5-litre diesel motor that develops a good 110bhp, and a new six-speed manual gearbox designed to handle the extra power and torque. Sources say that despite the engine’s power advantage over rivals such as the EcoSport, the motor will not sacrifice fuel economy. There will be a petrol version as well powered by Tata’s in-house developed, 1.2-litre motor. This all-aluminum, three-cylinder engine is expected to produce around 75bhp and has been designed to be quiet and refined.

With the X104, Tata Motors is betting on the fact that compact SUVs are largely owner driven, who like their cars to be stylish with a fair bit of road presence. Pricing will play an important role in how Tata’s new compact SUV fares in the competitive segment but we expect it to undercut the EcoSport when it’s launched in 2016.

Comments

2018 Lamborghini Urus India review, test drive

On first introduction, it’s a recipe for intimidation. It’s claimed to be the fastest SUV in the world (0-100kph in 3.6sec and a top speed of 305kph puts it nearly in supercar territory), and it’s made by Lamborghini – creator of some of the most savage vehicles on the market. Things – as with any Lamborghini, for that matter – would be a lot less daunting if we were driving on a smooth European country road, a wide motorway, or even a race track. But today we’re driving the Urus on a narrow ghat road, as well as through some heavy Pune traffic. Perhaps the intention was to demonstrate that this is the first Lamborghini ever to go on sale in India that truly works in our conditions – but still, I doubt they accounted for rush hour. It’s requisitely mad to look at, employing as many ‘sporty’ design tropes to an SUV body style as possible – the only thing missing is a massive wing on the back; and somehow, it works. It’s ...

Honda CB Unicorn 160 vs Suzuki Gixxer comparison

There is no replacement for displacement, as goes the old American saying, with which the rest of the world often nods in agreement. Increase in the number of cubic centimeters of fuel that our engines burn, seems only to be a pleasant idea to almost every petrolhead. More power, more torque and a healthier sounding grunt from the exhaust are the common expectations from larger engines. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has walked this same path, to add 10 extra cubic centimeters of capacity to the now proven CB Unicorn engine, to make the Honda CB Unicorn 160. FROLIC FASHION Although some of the features of the older CB Unicorn have been bettered, we’ve gone ahead and pitched it right in at the deep end, to face off against the very best in the segment to find out the exact degree to which this motorcycle has improved. So, in steps the Suzuki Gixxer, a Japanese-made premium commuter that’s fast rising to the top of its segment, with enough promise to overshadow all o...

Land Rover Discovery Sport review

Two things. To start with, it’s Land Rover’s replacement for the popular and capable Freelander. It’s also the first of the models from Land Rover’s new Discovery sub-brand, one that will focus on utility in the same vein as the Range Rover line is about luxury. The Discovery Sport was shown as a concept last year and the production version’s styling doesn’t stray too far from the prototype. It’s smart, well proportioned and interesting but doesn’t have the show value of something like an Evoque. Still, there’s a certain honesty to the chunky shape which, if you think about it, more than links the Sport to the Freelander. The Sport is 91mm longer than its predecessor and also sits on a wheelbase that’s grown by 80mm. These increments, and the incorporation of a compact multi-link rear suspension, have allowed Land Rover to fit in a third row of seats, giving the Sport a big advantage over its five-seat competitors – the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. But Land Rover is being cau...

Automobilestillnow

Search This Blog